The Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Young Scientist Igbal Abilov Condemns His Arrest

The Committee for the Protection of Igbal Abilov's Rights has issued a statement condemning the arrest and treatment of the prominent young Turkologist, Talysh scientist, and ethnographer. Abilov, the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Scientific Research "News of the Talysh National Academy," was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) shortly after arriving in his birthplace, the village of Bala Kolatan in the Masalli District.

Abilov, who has spent much of his life in Belarus, is charged under Articles 274 (treason), 281.3 (open calls against the State on the instructions of foreign organizations and their representatives), and 283.1 (actions aimed at inciting national hatred and enmity) of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.

The Committee claims that the leak of confidential information from a closed session of the Sabail District Court to pro-government media is a gross violation of Abilov's right to the presumption of innocence. The subsequent reports by state television channels have heightened tensions, sparking provocative debates on social media on ethnic grounds.

Hilal Mammadov, the chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Igbal Abilov's Rights, emphasized that Abilov has no history of political activity and has dedicated his career to scientific research in many countries, including Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, and Europe.

"The accusations against Igbal Abilov are baseless, and the violation of his right to the presumption of innocence has caused significant moral harm to his family and supporters," Mammadov stated. "Those responsible for spreading false information from the closed court session must be held legally accountable."

The Committee has urged the Talysh community to remain calm and not to be drawn into ethnic conflicts. The statement also expressed hope for Abilov's release and the punishment of those responsible for his unjust arrest.

Contact:

• Hilal Mammadov, Chairman of the Committee (Tel: +994504552768)
• Oktay Asgarov, Deputy Chairman (Tel: +994503933308)
• Konul Rasuli, Responsible Secretary (Tel: +994502515191)